The Lost Battalion (1 Viewer)

[Spitfrnd]

I watched the A&E movie "The Lost Battalion" last night and I was rather impressed with what they achieved with a made for cable budget. The movie is about the units of the 77th "Liberty" Division from New York that advanced into the dense terrain of the Argonne Forest in France on October 2nd, 1918. The Unit advanced beyond its flanking support and held out over the next 6 days while completely surrounded, constantly attacked, low on ammunition and supplies, without food, shelter and with limited access to water. Of the over 600 men first trapped only around 200 walked out. Three received Congressional Medal of Honors (CMO), many others received Distinguished Service Crosses (DSC), and many other awards. Their leader, Major Whittlesey, was declared one of the three most important members of the American Expeditionary Force (AEF) by General Pershing. Two airmen received CMO's for their involvement in the event, the first attempted air resupply drop in military history. Others trying to relieve the battalion also received the DSC. A carrier pigeon, Cher Ami, received international acclaim for heroically delivering a critical message. There are many things about the movie that are compromises but overall I found it an engaging effort and well worth watching, if for no other reason than to raise your interest in that event.

 

[trooper]

Reminds me of the other "Lost Battalion", the 5th Norfolks in Gallipoli 1915. As part of the attacking force the 5th advanced under heavy Turkish fire and to all intents just vanished. One of the companies,E, was made up of men from the Sandringham estate of King George Vth and he made great attempts to find out what happened to them. Myths and legends were in abundance, one of the most persistant was that a shimmering cloud descended upon them and then they were gone. It wasn't until some years after the war that the truth was found out. They had advanced until out of contact with the support and had been wiped out, the wounded had been shot and bayonetted. A good TV programme was made about this starring David Jason. It is still available onDVD and includes a follow up piece by Prince Edward. It is called "All the King's men" and is well worth a look.

 

[Lewey Gun Vick]

Great movie, I agree they did an outstanding job on a small budget. I hope one day they will make movies like this again.

Vick

 

[Mister Dave]

I've seen the U.S. version many times and really enjoy the fairly decent WWI material presented. Have considered the British version, but hard to find (saw it once for sale at B&N for $20 or so). Will have to see if I can get it on Netflix.

 

[marco55]

I saw this when it first came out.Only WW1 movie to come out in recent times that I know of.
Mark

 

[Lewey Gun Vick]

You can always wath paths of glory

Vick

 

[Canadian Samurai]

Or you know, Passchendaele (see two posts below this one).